Ford Taurus 2010 Owners Manual
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If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency gives to you. Do not attach safety chains to the bumper. Trailer brakes Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations. WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase. WARNING:Do not operate Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) when towing a trailer equipped with brakes. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly when ACC is activated, which may lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of serious injury. The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR not GCWR. Trailer lamps Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Contact your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Driving while you tow When towing a trailer: •Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. •Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer. Tires, Wheels and Loading 231 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
•It is recommended to select the L (Low) gear position when additional engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake system to prevent them from overheating. •Anticipate stops and brake gradually. Servicing after towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor more information. Trailer towing tips •Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. •Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. •If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective. •The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight. •After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts. •To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park). •Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels. RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a truck). Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate Controlschapter for more information. In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter. These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle. Tires, Wheels and Loading 232 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles: Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider. All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles: Tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do not tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground.This will cause damage to your AWD system. If you are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the equipment provider. Note:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these instructions: •Tow only in the forward direction. •Release the parking brake. •Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral). •Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer toStartingin the Drivingchapter). •Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) •Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and at each fuel stop. Tires, Wheels and Loading 233 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
STARTING Positions of the ignition (if equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer to Push button start systemin this section for ignition modes. 1. Off— locks the gearshift lever and allows key removal. This position also shuts the engine and all electrical accessories off. 2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. 3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving. 4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. Starting your vehicle This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. Don’t press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter. To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures (below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling. WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage. WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire. Driving 234 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions. WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. Important safety precautions When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and Safety Restraintschapter. 2. Make sure vehicle accessories are off. •Make sure the parking brake is set. Driving 235 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
•Make sure the gearshift lever is in P (Park). 3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without turning the key to 4 (start). If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer to Push button start systemin this section for ignition modes. Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information regarding the warning lights. Starting the engine Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer toPush button start systemin this section for starting. 1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without turning the key to 4 (start). 2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then release the key as soon as the engine begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing the key from the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts. Note:Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off position. Driving 236 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the brake, shift into gear and drive. Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the vehicle to the off position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping the accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel. Push button start system (if equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the push button start system, you can start your vehicle by pressing the start button in combination with the brake pedal rather than using a key. The start button is located on the instrument panel to right of the steering wheel. In order to operate the Push Button Start system and start your vehicle, your Intelligent Access key (IA key) must be present inside the vehicle, either in the passenger compartment or in the trunk. Ignition modes 1. Off — press and release the START/STOP button without applying the brake pedal when your vehicle is in accessory or on modes or when the engine is running.Note:When the vehicle is in motion, a single press and release of the START/STOP button will not switch off the engine. In order to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion, press and hold the START/STOP button for at least one second. 2. Accessory — press and release the START/STOP button without applying the brake pedal. This allows electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE and PRESS BRAKE TO START will be displayed in the message center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information. 3. On — press and hold the START/STOP button for at least one second without applying the brake pedal. This will power your vehicle’s electrical system and the warning lights in the instrument cluster will illuminate, but the engine will remain off.Note:You cannot immediately start your Driving 237 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
vehicle from the on mode. If you would like to start the vehicle and you are in on mode, you must first switch the vehicle off. 4. Start — press the START/STOP button (for any length of time) while applying the brake pedal.Note:The indicator light on the start button will illuminate when the vehicle is in on mode and when the engine is started. There may be areas inside your vehicle where the IA key is not detected. If the message NO KEY DETECTED appears on your message center when you press the START/STOP button, it may be necessary to move your IA key to another area within the vehicle. The IA key may not be detected near the roof (between the driver or passenger sunvisor and the roof, or in the overhead console area) or in the extreme corners of the rear package tray, near your audio speakers. It is not recommended that you stow the IA key in these locations. If you move the IA key to a location where it has been detected before and you still see the NO KEY DETECTED message, your IA key’s battery may be low or you may be in an area with excessive radio frequency interference. If this occurs, you can use the backup method to start your vehicle (see below). Backup Method of Starting:Your IA key uses a radio frequency signal to communicate with your vehicle and authorize your vehicle to start when you press the START/STOP button and apply the brake pedal. If excessive radio frequency interference is present in the area, or if the battery in your IA key is low, it may be necessary to start your car by inserting the IA key in the backup slot, located in your center console utility compartment. Insert the IA key into the slot with buttons facing out and with key ring up. After inserting the IA key into the backup slot, use the START/STOP button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. The vehicle should respond normally as long as the IA key is in the backup slot in the center console utility compartment. Once the vehicle is started, the IA key can be removed from the backup slot, if desired. Fast Restart Feature:The Fast Restart feature allows you to re-start your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching the vehicle off, if a valid IA key is not present when the vehicle is switched off. When you switch your vehicle off without a IA key in the passenger compartment or trunk, the message RESTART NOW OR KEY IS NEEDED will be displayed on Driving 238 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
the message center. You can re-start the vehicle (by applying the brake pedal and pressing the START/STOP button) for up to 20 seconds, even though the IA key is not present. After 20 seconds have expired, you can no longer start your vehicle without the IA key present inside the vehicle. Switching the Vehicle Off when not in Park:It is recommended that you shift into the Park position before switching your vehicle off. If you switch your vehicle off with the shifter in any position other than Park, the message SHIFT TO PARK will be displayed in the message center. If the vehicle is left in this state, your key in ignition chime will activate when the driver door is opened, and you may drain your vehicle’s battery. In order to avoid draining your battery, it is recommended that you always shift to park before or immediately after switching your vehicle off. Absence of the Intelligent Access key:Once the vehicle has started, the vehicle will remain running until being turned off by the START/STOP button, even if the IA key is no longer found in the vehicle. Whenever a door is opened and then closed while the vehicle is running, the system will search for a IA key inside the vehicle and the message center will display NO KEY DETECTED if the IA key is no longer present. This message is intended as a reminder that someone else in the vehicle may have taken the IA key when exiting the vehicle. If the IA key is no longer present in the vehicle, you will not be able to re-start your vehicle outside of the Fast Restart time (seeFast Restart Feature above). It is important to be aware of where your IA key is located in the vehicle, to avoid becoming stranded without a IA key. Guarding against exhaust fumes Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects. WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in fresh air. Driving 239 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C). WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in property damage or physical injury. WARNING:To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for proper and safe operation: •For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard. •Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum. •Use as short an extension cord as possible. •Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to the outlet without stretching. •Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate extension cords over a period of time. •To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters. Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good condition before use. •Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order to prevent possible shock or fire. Driving 240 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)